Sample Parenting Plans for Babies and Infants in Colorado
Sample Parenting Plans for Infants in Colorado: Schedules That Support Attachment and Growth
Creating a parenting plan for an infant is one of the most important, and most sensitive, parts of a custody case. Infants need stability, consistent caregiving, and frequent connection with both parents to develop secure attachments.
In Colorado, parenting plans must be built around what’s in the best interest of the child. When it comes to infants, that means carefully balancing developmental needs, feeding routines, and bonding time with practical realities like commuting, work schedules, and parental involvement.
At Rider Goodwin Law, we help parents create parenting plans that reflect real life, and set the foundation for strong, healthy relationships with their children. Below, we’ve outlined age-based sample plans and the reasoning behind them, so you can understand what kinds of schedules are often appropriate for infants under Colorado law.
What Makes Infant Parenting Plans Different?
Infants (ages 0–2) are developing rapidly. Their physical and emotional health depends heavily on:
Frequent, consistent contact with caregivers
Predictable routines for feeding, sleeping, and comfort
A strong attachment to both parents, where possible
Unlike older children, infants don’t have the memory or emotional regulation to go long stretches without contact. That’s why most parenting experts recommend frequency over duration when creating parenting time schedules for babies.
Age-Based Sample Parenting Schedules
These examples are drawn from both clinical guidelines and real-world experience with Colorado cases. Every family is different; these are starting points, not mandates.
Birth to 6 Months (Non-Breastfeeding)
2–4 visits per week with non-primary caregiver
Duration: 1–3 hours per visit, ideally on a consistent schedule
No overnights unless both parents agree and the infant is securely attached
Why: Infants need frequent contact with both parents, but may not be ready for extended separations from their primary caregiver. Short visits allow bonding without disruption.
Birth to 6 Months (Breastfeeding)
Daily or every-other-day contact for 1–2 hours
Use of expressed milk or formula during visits
Consider in-home visits or shared location if necessary
Why: Breastfeeding may limit flexibility initially, but both parents can still bond through diapering, feeding, holding, and soothing.
6 to 12 Months
3–4 visits per week with gradually increasing duration
Potential inclusion of overnights depending on the child’s adjustment
Consistent, predictable routine across both homes
Why: At this stage, most infants can handle longer visits and benefit from more meaningful time with both parents, assuming good communication and caregiving skills.
12 to 24 Months
Parenting time every 2–3 days
Gradual increase to 1–2 overnights per week
Continued coordination of sleep, feeding, and comfort routines
Why: As infants become toddlers, more extended time—including overnights—becomes developmentally appropriate. Flexibility and frequent check-ins are key.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if the parents live far apart?
Courts may prefer shorter, more frequent visits near the child’s primary home. Long commutes can interfere with nap, feeding, and bonding time, especially in the first year.
What if we disagree about overnights?
There’s no fixed age for overnight parenting time in Colorado. The Court will look at the child’s adjustment, each parent’s parenting skills, and the level of cooperation.
Does the parenting plan have to be 50/50?
No. Parenting plans should meet the infant’s developmental needs, not a mathematical formula. Equal time isn’t always appropriate or practical in the first two years.
Can we build in a plan to change the schedule later?
Yes, you can. We suggest that the Parenting Plan include mechanisms or terms to ensure consistent review and to address changes.
What if one parent wants to travel out of state with the baby?
They’ll need written consent from the co-parent or a Court order. Travel restrictions should be addressed early in the parenting plan.
What if my infant is breastfeeding exclusively?
Plans can still allow the other parent bonding time through non-feeding tasks. Expressed milk, formula, and in-home visits are options that keep the plan balanced.
Do we need to agree on routines like sleep training or feeding?
While routines don’t need to be identical, consistency helps infants adjust. Parenting plans can document shared expectations around bedtime, meals, and hygiene.
What happens if one parent isn't following the plan?
Document the concern and talk to your attorney. Repeated violations or chaos during transitions can lead the Court to reconsider the parenting time arrangement.
Conclusion
Parenting plans for infants are about more than dividing time. They’re about building trust, fostering development, and giving both parents the opportunity to bond and grow into their roles.
A strong plan respects the infant’s pace of development, supports stability across homes, and builds in the flexibility to adapt as the child grows.
If you’re working on a parenting plan for a baby or toddler, Rider Goodwin Law is here to help.
Call us today at 303.728.4271 or click here to schedule a consultation.